There’s much to be said for satisfaction, isn’t there? Being satisfied is to know we’ve had enough. (And of course, Mattie Ross’s line from True Grit—“I’ve had enough, and enough is as good as a feast”—just rolled through the back of my mind.) Enough equals contentment. Not everyone has a…
I’ve heard people say they decided Christianity wasn’t for them because it didn’t keep them from having problems. I’m always puzzled by the reasoning, because no where in the Bible does it say the Christian life will be free of conflict. Rather, it pretty much assures the opposite! The most…
When my dad was a little boy, he got the grand idea of riding a rug down the stairway in his family’s farmhouse (like a sled down a hill). His first descent went swimmingly, and it was so much fun, he decided to do it again. The second time, he…
HYMN DAY! “God Will Take Care of You” by Civilia D. Martin is so encouraging. Our church hymnal only has three verses ((1, 2, and 5), but I included them as the author intended. 1 Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you! Beneath His wings of…
“No harm…no plague will come near…” We read these words and immediately think of harm or illnesses that have befallen us. Yes, in this sinful world, there will hardships. Our bodies will suffer and break down. But that doesn’t mean we’ve been abandoned. On the contrary! If we are dwelling…
There is a wonderful assurance in these words that those who love God are secure. A strong clue for this promise is found in the word LORD. Whenever the word is found in all caps, then we know we’re talking about Yahweh, the Covenant God, the One who will not…
What consumes our minds tells a lot about where our heart is focused. Philippians 4:8 reminds us “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” These are the things that please and…
“…who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” When we come to Jesus in repentance and ask Him to take away our sins, a change takes place in the center of our beings. The Holy Spirit enters us and helps us walk in a God-honoring…
HYMN DAY! If you’ve never heard “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” by P. P. Bliss sung in four-part harmony by a sanctuary full of Mennonites, you’ve missed out. *smile* You can listen to a men’s quartet here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INhz7GOwcDY Even if you don’t listen to it, the words are worth…
When my mother was five years old, she heard a preacher at a revival talk about sin and how Jesus would take all a person’s sins away if she asked. She walked to the front of the church and asked. This past Sunday would have been her 88th birthday on…
